Sausage & Cream Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
1 (26 oz) bag frozen hash browns, thawed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 large eggs
1/2 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully mixed into the other ingredients, creating a creamy sauce.
Combine with Hash Browns: Add the thawed hash browns to the mixing bowl and stir until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Then, fold in the cooked sausage, making sure it’s well-distributed throughout the casserole mixture.
Prepare the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten and pour them into the casserole mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the casserole is ready.
Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour